Benson Idonije, others to speak on 90 years of Nigerian music

Legendary music broadcaster, Benson Idonije, is set to speak on 90 years of Nigerian popular music as part of events to celebrate this year’s social media week. The event holds today, at the Goethe Institut, Lagos.

Idonije, who has over 50 years of experience in the Nigerian music industry, will be speaking on ‘Nigerian popular music: The glory years 1925 – 1960.’

Idonije, one of the first managers of the late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, started his career with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, where he was producer and later Head of Training before his retirement. After his retirement, he has for over the last 20 years gained further acclaim as a music journalist, maintaining a regular column with The Guardian. He is also grandfather to popular dancehall sensation, Burna Boy.

The event which is being organised by Music In Africa, aims to celebrate Nigeria’s popular music heritage over the last 90 years – from its rudimentary origins to the modern digital age.

According to the organisers of the event, 2015 marks the 90th anniversary of the first Nigerian popular music recordings, first done in 1925, by Ladipo Solanke and Justus Domingo, under the Zonophone label.

Aside Idonije, other confirmed speakers include Mark Redguard, CEO of 960 Music Group, formerly CMO of digital music platform, Spinlet who would be speaking on ‘Nigerian Digital Music Revolution’ , blogger and music historian, Uchenna Ikonne, and special guest speaker, Obi Asika, former chairman of Storm 360 and Dragon Africa.

The discussions will be moderated by the West African Regional Editor of Music in Africa- Ed Emeka Keazor.

The evening shall also feature a special tribute to eight Nigerian music legends, who have contributed significantly to music growth, over the last 90 years, and whose works laid the foundations of its future.